ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has summoned separate sessions of the National Assembly and Senate on June 5 for the presentation of the Federal Budget 2026-27.
According to a statement issued by the President’s Office, the National Assembly session will commence at 5:00 pm, followed by the Senate session at 6:00 pm on the same day.
Ahead of the budget presentation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has convened a special federal cabinet meeting on the morning of June 5 to approve the budget proposals. Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb will present the budget in the National Assembly and subsequently lay it before the Senate for discussion.
As per parliamentary tradition, the National Assembly is expected to observe a two-day recess following the budget speech, with formal debate scheduled to begin on Monday. The Leader of the Opposition will open the discussion on the budget proposals.
Economic Survey to be Released on June 4
Before the budget announcement, the government will release the Pakistan Economic Survey 2025-26 on June 4. The annual report provides a comprehensive review of the country’s economic performance during the outgoing fiscal year and serves as a key reference document ahead of the budget presentation.
Officials said the government is finalizing budgetary proposals amid economic challenges, including regional uncertainty and commitments under the reform programme agreed with the International Monetary Fund.
Sources revealed that the parliamentary sessions were initially planned for June 1 but were rescheduled due to the absence of a large number of lawmakers who travelled to Saudi Arabia for Hajj. More than 60 parliamentarians are expected to return during the first week of June.
Budget Size Expected to Exceed Rs17.8 Trillion
According to preliminary budget estimates, the total outlay for FY2026-27 is expected to exceed Rs17.8 trillion. The government is proposing an economic growth target of 4.1 percent, while average inflation is projected at 8.4 percent for the next fiscal year.
Budget documents under consideration suggest:
- Tax revenue target: Rs15.267 trillion
- Petroleum levy target: Rs1.727 trillion
- Federal PSDP allocation: Rs1.1 trillion
- Debt servicing allocation: Rs7.824 trillion
- Defence allocation: Rs2.665 trillion
Officials are also working on proposals related to taxation, energy pricing, salaries, pensions, and development expenditures, while considering measures to curb inflation and support economic activity.
Government Employees Announce Budget-Day Protest
Meanwhile, tensions have emerged between the government and public sector employees over proposed salary and pension adjustments.
The All Government Employees Grand Alliance has demanded salary and pension increases of up to 100 percent, along with implementation of an agreement reached with the government on March 10, 2025.
The alliance has warned of a nationwide protest movement if its demands are not met and has announced a sit-in outside the Ministry of Finance and Parliament ahead of the budget presentation.
Among its key demands, AGEGA is seeking an increase in the minimum monthly wage to Rs50,000 and a similar increase in the minimum pension.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has stated that the government is striving to provide maximum possible relief to citizens in the upcoming budget while maintaining fiscal discipline, improving revenue collection, and sustaining economic stability.
Story by Naveed Butt
